What started as a concern about growing food insecurity has blossomed into a new community resource designed to nourish both bodies and relationships in Warren County.

Tuesday’s Table, a new community soup kitchen initiative, officially opened its doors this week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local leaders, volunteers, and residents committed to ensuring no neighbor goes hungry.

The idea for Tuesday’s Table emerged after reductions in SNAP benefits last November prompted conversations among community advocates about how to address increasing food needs throughout the county. Those conversations led to a partnership between Loaves and Fishes and a coalition of local leaders determined to create a sustainable solution.

“This is more than a meal program,” organizers shared during the opening celebration. “It’s a place where community happens.”

Located at the Warrenton Rural Volunteer Fire Department, Tuesday’s Table was made possible through the support of numerous partners and volunteers. Organizers secured a contract with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture to provide food for the program, and the facility successfully passed inspections conducted by both the North Carolina Food Bank and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture before welcoming its first guests.

While the kitchen’s mission includes providing nutritious meals to those experiencing food insecurity, organizers say the vision extends much further.

Tuesday’s Table is designed to be a gathering place where seniors, families, children, and neighbors from all walks of life can come together. The goal is to create opportunities for connection, conversation, and mutual support while strengthening the fabric of the community.

Organizers hope churches, civic organizations, businesses, and individual volunteers will embrace the initiative and help sustain its mission through service and participation.

“This is a place where people can sit down together, share a meal, exchange resources, and build relationships,” one supporter noted during the event.

Community leaders expressed strong support for the project during the official launch. Warren County Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Cooper and Warrenton Mayor Walter Gardner both praised the initiative and its potential impact on residents throughout the county.

Warren County Schools Superintendent Dr. Carol Montague-Davis also pledged the district’s support, highlighting opportunities for students to become involved through volunteer service and community engagement.

The celebration concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the beginning of what organizers hope will become a lasting community tradition rooted in compassion, dignity, and neighborly care.

As Tuesday’s Table begins serving meals and building connections, its founders believe the program reflects the very best of Warren County—a community that comes together when its neighbors need support.

For those interested in volunteering, donating, or partnering with Tuesday’s Table, organizers encourage residents, churches, and community groups to get involved and help ensure everyone has a seat at the table.

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One of Warrenton’s most anticipated annual traditions is set to return this fall, with the 5th Annual Dinner Off Main taking place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, transforming downtown into an evening of elegance, fellowship, and purpose.

Hosted by BriCie Events, the all-white celebration invites guests to gather under the theme “with a sparkle of silver” for an unforgettable night dedicated to scholarship, food, and community.

Held from 5 PM to 9 PM at 113 South Bragg Street in Warrenton, the event serves as a fundraiser for the Virginia H. Levister Scholarship, which honors the legacy of a woman whose commitment to education, service, and community continues to inspire future generations.

Attendees, dressed in their finest white attire, will enjoy an evening celebrating local achievement while supporting educational opportunities for students.

Over the past five years, Dinner Off Main has grown from a community gathering into a signature Warren County event, bringing together residents, business owners, educators, civic leaders, and supporters from across the region. Its continued success reflects a shared commitment to investing in the next generation while creating opportunities for neighbors to connect and celebrate together.

The evening’s focus on scholarship support underscores the event’s broader mission to encourage educational success and community engagement. Beyond the fundraising component, Dinner Off Main has become known for its atmosphere of unity, style, and local pride.

Guests can expect an evening filled with conversation, fellowship, and memorable moments, with downtown Warrenton serving as the backdrop for the celebration.

As Warren County continues to embrace events that showcase community spirit and collaboration, Dinner Off Main stands as an example of how local initiatives can make a lasting impact while creating experiences residents look forward to year after year.

The event is open by ticket only. Each ticket is $50.

For ticket information, interested attendees may call/text (301) 758-0534, contact Trish Jones, Monica M. Davis, or Shavonne Nicole via Facebook, or purchase tickets at The Bragging Rooster, located at 120 South Main Street, Warrenton, NC 27589.

As summer gives way to fall, Dinner Off Main offers more than a seat at the table. It offers an opportunity to celebrate community, support students, and create memories right here in the heart of Warrenton.

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The Lady Eagles basketball team is entering the season with more than just momentum—they’re carrying the pride of a community that showed up in a big way.

Through an initiative organized by the Friends of the Lady Eagles, the team, which currently holds a 5-2 record, was gifted personalized Travel Suits and Shooter Shirts, a show of support that reflects the deep investment Warren County continues to make in its student-athletes.

The effort was led by Shrounda Douglas-Riddick, whose commitment to uplifting the Lady Eagles this season sparked an immediate and generous response. Supporters from across the community—and beyond—answered the call without hesitation, ensuring the team was fully outfitted and ready to represent.

Special thanks are extended to Squares and Buttons and Motion Major for ensuring the team was properly fitted and prepared for their first presentation on January 6, 2026. Their contributions helped bring the vision to life and gave the team a polished, unified look as they head into competition.

This initiative continues a strong legacy of advocacy for the program. Last year, the Friends of the Lady Eagles successfully secured $7,500 from Dick’s Sporting Goods, with those funds continuing to enhance the basketball program through resources, equipment, and player support.

As conversations around equity in athletics continue, moments like this reinforce an important truth: women’s sports are equally impactful and deserving of investment. Under the leadership of Coach Alston and Coach Bulluck, the Lady Eagles basketball team is steadily rising, fueled by dedication on the court and encouragement from the stands.

With strong leadership, committed supporters, and a community rallying behind them, the Lady Eagles are soaring—and Warren County is cheering them on every step of the way.

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Warren County High School is soaring into sports history this week as the Eagles football team advances to the fourth round of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) playoffs, the deepest playoff run in the school’s 42-year history.

Led by Athletic Director and Head Coach Victor Hunt, Jr., the Eagles, with a 10-2 record, will take the field on Friday, November 28, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 pm at Warren County High School. Fans, families, and community supporters are encouraged to pack The Nest and bring their Eagle Pride as the team looks to continue its record-breaking postseason journey.

Before the game, the Athletic Department will host a “HYPE ME UP” Meet & Greet at 6:00 pm, giving supporters a unique opportunity to celebrate the players and cheerleaders ahead of the big match-up against Holmes.

The pregame event will feature:

Live interviews with Eagles football players and cheerleaders

Photo and TikTok opportunities

Complimentary hot chocolate to keep everyone warm

The meet and greet is free, and admission for the game is $14.

With the game falling on Black Friday, fans are encouraged to participate in the evening’s theme: #TheBlackout.

“This team has worked incredibly hard all season, and seeing them make it this far is something our entire community should celebrate,” said Superintendent Dr. Carol Montague-Davis.

The school encourages everyone to come early, enjoy the festivities, and help send the Eagles into the next round with the full power of Warren County behind them.

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The weather tried it, but National Night Out did not miss a beat! Initially planned as an outdoor event on the Courthouse Square, the planning committee’s quick thinking turned it into an indoor party that was nothing short of a fun Saturday hangout inside the John Graham gym.

With live entertainment, a bouncy house, games, and delicious food, as well as vendors offering valuable information and event swag, National Night Out was a fun-filled celebration that also served as a call to action to strengthen the bond between local law enforcement and the community. / The Warrenist

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Guardian’s Haven Project, a nonprofit founded by Army National Guard combat veteran Erin Chism, will host its annual Farm-to-Table Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, September 27, 2025, on the beautiful grounds of Homestead Farm in Warrenton. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. for self-guided tours of the farm’s botanical gardens and walking trails, with dinner served at approximately 6:30 p.m.

The evening will feature a locally sourced gourmet dinner, highlighting seasonal fruits, vegetables, and meats from farms in the community. Guests will enjoy local beer from Bragging Rooster, wine from Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard, live music by Haley Ellis and The Hundley Brothers, along with a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance.

For tickets, click here.

ABOUT GUARDIAN’S HAVEN PROJECT

Guardian’s Haven Project was founded by Chism after serving in Afghanistan in 2012–2013 with the 514th Military Police Company, 60th Troop Command. During that deployment, the unit sustained multiple casualties, including SSG Donna Johnson, SGT Jeremy Hardison, and SGT Thomas J. Butler IV. Inspired by their sacrifice and motivated by the challenges veterans face accessing care through the VA, Chism created Guardian’s Haven Project to provide meaningful, trauma-informed support for veterans and first responders.

“Our mission is to honor the fallen by supporting the living,” said Chism. “Through trauma informed equine-assisted therapy, horticultural therapy, opportunities to learn self-sustaining skills, and camaraderie, Guardian’s Haven Project offers a place for healing, purpose, and community.”

Homestead Farm, the family property where Guardian’s Haven Project is based, has been transformed by Chism’s parents, Steven and Susan Bender, into a welcoming destination with gardens, trails, and gathering spaces. The farm is open to the public every Saturday and serves as the backdrop for the nonprofit’s programs and events.

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The community came out on Saturday, Sept. 6 for the first WC Food Festival in the parking lot of the forthcoming Mag’s Marketplace in Warrenton, NC. Hosted by The Front Porch Grocery Co-op, the event featured several local food vendors and live entertainment to set the tone.

Tacos Mama Chava, The Pyramids Food Truck, Native Soul, Sienna Sweets, Sharon’s Sweet Treats, Etc…Catering, The Front Porch Lemonade Stand, and Barnes Body Sculpting were amongst the event vendors. Local singing sensation, Steve Hyman kicked off the event with a gospel medley, followed by Daniel Beech, and DJ J-Rich.

Dub C’z Finest newest dance team made their debut.

It was a good time for all, and we look forward to this year’s celebration.

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If you were anywhere near downtown Warrenton on Saturday, August 30, you probably heard the music, smelled the food, or saw South Bragg Street glowing with string lights and conversation. That’s because more than 80 guests gathered for the 4th annual Dinner Off Main hosted by BriCie Events owner, Patricia Jones Crosson.

But, this was no ordinary dinner.

Picture this: a perfect summer evening, round tables with exquisite placements stretching across the street, family and friends sharing stories and laughs. Guests even came in from as far as the DMV, Charlotte, and Raleigh to join in on the celebration.

DJ TKO from Wake County dropped a playlist that kept attendees pulling out their line dance moves all night. A new addition to the party was the Dinner Off Main Lounge, a chill spot for guests to enjoy cigars and hookah.

The event caterer, Pleasurable Plates served up a tantalizing menu featuring baked chicken, meatballs, spinach dip, and more, that left guests with the full package: good vibes, full plates, and even fuller hearts.

The real centerpiece of the evening, though, wasn’t the food or the music.

It was the moment three local students were awarded the Virginia Levister Educational Scholarship, honoring the late John Graham High employee’s commitment to education and opportunity.

Honorees Tranique Kearney has made her presence known at UNC-Charlotte and Raleigh Pierce has began his educational journey at Campbell University. Demontay Hawkins was unable to attend, but his proud parents accepted the award on behalf of the Keystone College freshman.

As their names were called, applause echoed through Bragg Street, proof that the community will lift each other higher, especially for our youth.

When the scholars initially applied for the scholarship, they were told the potential award would be $750. Because of the overwhelming generosity from those who understand the strain of college tuition and expenses, the amount was increased to $800 for each student.

The evening came to an end in its traditional form. The event volunteers handed out sparklers to light up the night sky. This year, they added white hankerchiefs, turning Bragg Street into New Orleans.

And none of this magic would’ve been possible without the sponsors who had the community’s back: BriCie Events, URBAN 360, Bythe & Company, WRTN, and Bragging Rooster, which kept the party festive with fruity cocktails as the drink sponsor.

Now in its fourth year, Dinner Off Main has grown into Warrenton’s can’t-miss summer experience, one overflowing with elegance, togetherness, and a reason to raise a glass to our community’s future.

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Two scholars are starting their next chapter with a little extra support, thanks to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Rho Tau Omega Chapter.

Tranique Kearney and Raleigh Pierce were named this year’s recipients of the chapter’s annual scholarship, which honors the legacy of the Honorable Eva M. Clayton, a beloved soror and the first African American woman to represent North Carolina in Congress.

Kearney will be majoring in pre-nursing at UNC-Charlotte, which Pierce has set his sights on Campbell University, where he will major in mechanical engineering.

Each student received $1,000 to help further their education.

The scholarship is one of several service projects made possible through the chapter’s foundation, Scholarships and Service Projects, led by president Margaret Bullock.

Clayton, Bullock, and Rho Tau Omega chapter president Magnolia Clanton were present to congratulate the recipients and offer words of encouragement.

Photo Credit: Crystal Myrick/Warrenist

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Tranique Kearney received some exciting news to kick off her next chapter: she’s the latest recipient of the Louise Spruill Scholarship.

The $500 award comes just in time as Kearney embarks on her freshman year at UNC-Charlotte, where she’ll study pre-nursing to become a nurse anesthesiologist.

The scholarship honors the late Louise Spruill, one of the founding members of the Heritage Quilters, and is made possible through donations and the organization’s fundraising efforts. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to a student who shows promise, dedication, and drive—qualities Kearney embodies in full.

Scholarship committee chair Margaret Bullock and Earlean Henderson, treasurer of the Heritage Quilters Giving Circle, were on hand to present the Henderson Collegiate graduate with the check, a moment filled with smiles, pride, and plenty of encouragement.

For Kearney, the award is a stepping stone toward a future healthcare career. However, for the community, it is a reminder of the power of investing in young people and the dreams they carry forward.

We wish Tranique all the best!

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